Hawaii’s airports will be looking a lot “greener” in 2014, according to an announcement by Gov. Neil Abercrombie. That’s because he plans to implement an energy-saving makeover that could potentially save the state $518-million over the next 20 years.

Airports will be fitted with the latest go-green technology, including the installation of photovoltaic panels and upgraded air-conditioning systems. Most of the construction will take place throughout 2014 and 2015 (as a heads up for those planning to travel to Hawaii during that time). No official details on such idelays or inconveniences, but I’m sure it will get pretty congested in parts.

Despite inconveniences, Hawaii taxpayers should be happy about not having the burden of paying for these improvements. The state funded the project by selling $167-million in certificates of participation in the bond market, according to Hawaii News Now. Hopefully in the end, this will save the taxpayers money as well.

Sustainability will definitely be appealing to today’s travelers, especially if it means added comfort and convenience. But we have a long ways to go if we ever want to compare to green airports, like San Fran and Chicago. San Francisco’s state-of-the-art T2 Terminal has natural skylights, an innovative air displacement ventilation system and zero-waste garbage cans. Even the vendors sell local, organic dishes (with paperless ticketing). How awesome!